CHELSEA have dropped a major team news hint ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds.
Blockbuster summer signing Danny Welbeck looks set to start after being splashed across the front of the club’s matchday programme.
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The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker joined Xabi Alonso’s squad in the summer but has only featured twice so far.
Welbeck started in the last round against Luton and even marked his Blues debut with a goal.
Now, his place on the front of tonight’s programme is another big clue he could lead the line again.
The 35-year-old headed home Chelsea’s opener in their 2-0 win over Luton at Stamford Bridge.
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Welbeck admitted getting off the mark on his debut made the night even sweeter.
He said: “It was really nice (to score).
“I mean, it makes for a good start and it’s something that I’m looking to continue to build upon.
“Obviously, it was my debut at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea and it’s an honourable moment for me.
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Wednesday 9 September
Chelsea
20:00
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Leeds
Saturday 12 September
Chelsea
15:00
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Hull
Friday 18 September
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Saturday 10 October
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Thursday 27 August
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Monday 24 August
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“So to kick it off with a goal was very pleasing.
“I feel very privileged to make the switch to Chelsea. It’s such a big club.
“At this stage of my career, it’s massive. I’m very honoured to receive the chance to come here and to be a part of this project.
“It’s exciting and one where I feel we can build something special.”
Welbeck was spotted on the bench for both of Chelsea’s first two Prem games, when they overcame Fulham and Brighton.
And the Englishman only came on in the dying minutes of Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
In the programme’s exclusive, Welbeck also brushed off any talk about his age following his summer switch.
He said: “A little bit of talk is about my age, but it’s just talk. I’m here to push on, to improve.
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“I feel really good – fit, strong, and obviously last season I had my best goalscoring season. I’m ready to push on.”
Chelsea do still have other options up front, with Emanuel Emegha in the first-team squad and Joao Pedro also available.
But after Welbeck started the last round, his spot on tonight’s cover feels like a pretty big hint he could get the nod again.
Leeds have already gone further than last time around when they exited in the second round following a Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 (3-0) defeat.
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Chelsea, on the other hand, made it to the semi-finals before they were Arsenal booted them out following a 1-0 victory.